American Anthem: A Song of Our Nation

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About American Anthem: A Song Of Our Nation

Product Description Based on the song that President Joe Biden quoted in his inaugural address, this picture book celebrates the beauty and diversity of this country and the legacies on which we build our future.   As President Joe Biden delivered his inaugural address, he quoted from a song that fully captured his own spirit of service: “The work and prayers of centuries have brought us to this day. What shall be our legacy? What will our children say? Let me know in my heart, when my days are through—America, America, I gave my best to you.” It was a sentiment that spoke not only to our new president’s character, but to the sense of pride in duty and purpose for the sake of a country we hold dear. And it contained a message of quiet patriotism that so many of us hope to share with the next generation.   In this new picture book, using the full text of the song President Biden quoted, we do just that. With words that speak to the soul of our nation, and art from twelve different illustrators, all depicting what America means to them, we take readers on a journey through this beautiful country—its history, its struggles, and its dignity—and throughout, we count our own blessings and think about how we can do more to share them with others, and give our best to our country and everyone in it. About the Author Gene Scheer (genescheer.com) is a two-time Grammy-nominated songwriter and librettist noted for his scope and versatility. His work has been featured at many leading opera companies across the country, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the San Francisco, Santa Fe, and Dallas Operas. He has also written songs for such illustrious singers as Denyce Graves, Renée Fleming, Joyce DiDonato, Patti LuPone, and Nathan Gunn. Gene was inspired to write "American Anthem" in 1998 while reading the book The Miracle at Philadelphia about the creation of the U.S. Constitution. Over the years, "American Anthem" has been performed for Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush and at the memorial service for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. A version of the song, sung by Norah Jones, was featured in Ken Burns’s Emmy Award-winning World War II documentary for PBS entitled The War. Gene lives in Connecticut withhis wife, Kristina. Fahmida Azim has illustrated many books, including her award-winning debut, Muslim Women Are Everything. Fahmida lives and creates in Seattle, Washington. Find her work at fahmida-azim.com and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @fahmida_azim.   Elizabeth Baddeley is the illustrator of many books about extraordinary people, including the New York Times bestselling I Dissent. She’s happiest out exploring the world with her sketchbook, but has spent much of the COVID-19 pandemic learning how to sew. Elizabeth lives in Kansas City, Missouri, with her husband, young son, and assortment of furry friends. You can visit her online at ebaddeley.com and follow her on Instagram @eabaddeley.     Matt Faulkner has crafted the words and pictures for over forty books for children. He loves to create work for books that are both historic and fantastic in nature and strives to not get them confused. Matt lives with his wife, author Kristen Remenar, and their kids and cat in the lower right-hand corner of the Michigan mitten. Matt invites you to come hang out at his website: mattfaulkner.com.   Michelle Lee is a Korean-American illustrator from Los Angeles whose work includes My Love for You Is Always by Gillian Sze and Chloe’s Lunar New Year by Lily LaMotte. Michelle finds inspiration in nature, her family, and memories from childhood. Keep up with her online at mklillustration.com!   Rafael Lopez is an internationally recognized artist who has illustrated numerous acclaimed picture books, including Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor; Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln by Margarita Engle; and The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson,